Creating a dramatic cinematic style

Inspiration: Film NoirI love to watch black and white movies on TCM (Turner Classic Movies)! I appreciate how lighting played a key role in creating a sense of mystery and drama. I've worked in a photography studio quite a few times in the past and I must admit that it is not my strong point. I am not comfortable in a 'controlled setting'. My creative process is to freelance and to not have an actual plan. This is why I gravitate more towards street photography. I personally have more freedom to explore and color outside of the lines a bit.

Camera SettingsI like to shoot with a low ISO setting (usually 200 or 250) for a dark tonality. I aim for bright whites and extreme blacks. I'm finding that my photographs seem to 'come to life' a bit more when I minimize my exposure levels in camera and give a slight punch to the contrast. Besides that, I simply freelance and allow interesting subjects to freely appear in the frame.

Creative ProcessI use my camera to paint with light. Silhouettes, shade and shadows are most fascinating to me. The emphasis on darkness help create a classic film noir style. I love when I am able to create a photograph that is timeless. Street photography is (or should be) an artistic journey. Every time I go out and shoot is totally different from the last. Part of my photographic experience is to accept what comes naturally, then capture it. I will shoot in the cold, rain, snow and at night. Storytelling is honest so I embrace impactions and flaws; the 'happy accidents' are part of the narrative.